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Taaffe readying Argocat for possible Jewson tilt

TOM TAAFFE will mull over his options for exciting novice chaser Argocat, having entered the five-year-old in three of the four novice chases at the Cheltenham Festival.

Entries for the Racing Post Arkle, Jewson, RSA and John Oaksey National Hunt Chase were all made on Thursday, with Argocat a possible for all bar the National Hunt Chase, which is restricted to amateur riders.

Taaffe is leaning towards the 2m4f Jewson, as he said: "The preference for Argocat at the moment is the Jewson. He won't run again before Cheltenham but has been in super form since his win at Limerick. He had a mid-term break and is back in full swing now."

Argocat won a Grade 2 at Limerick last time by eight lengths, and Taaffe added: "He did what he had to do at Limerick and was in receipt of the four-year-old weight allowance. He is progressive and has done nothing but please us since he has gone over fences.

"Better ground will definitely help him a lot and that's why I have entered him in the two other races."

Argocat is one of 65 entries for the Jewson, which also includes the Nicky Henderson duo of Simonsig and Captain Conan.

Simonsig is also one of 33 entries for the Arkle, which includes Arvika Ligeonniere, who could contest the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown this weekend.

Dynaste, unbeaten over fences for David Pipe, heads 49 entries for the RSA, while 85 have been entered for the National Hunt Chase.